Description: This article recaps the causes of the failure of Mutual Life, discusses the response of the government of Jamaica and explains the appointed actuary's new role. which includes the role of whistle blower.

Description: This article gives readers an introduction to Microinsurance.

Description: The ‘grieving widows effect’, or the ‘broken heart syndrome’ as it is often referred to, is the phenomenon whereby the chances of dying are elevated immediate following the loss of a partner. Using data from Club Vita we explore this effect. We identify that it has a material impact (c. 50bp) on the pricing and reserving for annuities and pension liabilities with an attaching annuity payable to a spouse who outlives the original policyholder. This is particularly the case in times of low net discount rates or for substantial attaching annuities.

Description: A discussion of substantial surpluses accumulated in defined benefit funds in South Africa and the legislation that resulted.

Description: A discussion of the theoretically correct approach to the valuation of cross-border insurance ventures

Description: The author explores recent challenges for the fast-growing life insurance market in China and suggests possible strategies to help the industry rebound.

Description: Editor’s Note by Randy Makin from International Section News, February 2000, Issue No. 21.

Description: Argentina—Is a turnaround around the corner? by Jorge Noronha from International Section News, October 2001, Issue No. 26.

Description: Newly elected members of the section council are introduced.

Description: 6th Annual Conference of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors by Hans Wagner from International Section News, May 2000, Issue No. 22.